David PARKER
Energy Spokesperson

30 August 2011
MEDIA STATEMENT

90% renewable target undermined

New Zealand has an abundance of renewable energy resources, and it is in New Zealand’s financial and environmental interests to develop them, Labour’s Energy spokesperson David Parker says.

“The Government’s assertion in its energy strategy that it aspires to support renewables should be judged by its actions.

“The goal of having 90% renewable electricity generation by 2025 came from Labour, who set it as a target, rather than a loose aspiration, and supported it with a range of other measures.

“These included a ban on new base-load fossil fuel thermal generation – which was reversed by National – while the 90% target was also given statutory force by the proposed National Policy Statement on Renewable Energy under the RMA. This was removed by National as well,” David Parker said.

“National also reversed progress on biofuels.

“Interestingly, Hekia Parata claims credit for the Government from the 79% renewable generation in the March 2011 quarter. Recent growth in renewable electricity generation has come from a combination of wet years increasing hydro electricity output plus the generation of more geothermal and wind power from projects built or committed to under Labour.

“The steps National has taken have undermined rather than helped attain the 90% target. The target, however, is still achievable and National should unambiguously support it,” David Parker said.

ENDS

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